Etiology and Pathophysiology of Mental Disorders: Causes and Development

Question 1

For severe manic episodes in bipolar disorder, which treatment is typically recommended as the first-line option?

Accepted Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Answer

Group therapy

Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT)

Question 2

How do social stressors interact with psychological vulnerabilities to elevate the risk of depression?

Accepted Answer

Psychological vulnerabilities enhance the impact of social stressors, increasing the likelihood of developing depression.

Answer

Social stressors alone can cause depression, regardless of psychological vulnerabilities.

Answer

Social stressors directly trigger physiological changes that increase depression risk, even without psychological vulnerabilities.

Answer

Social stressors and psychological vulnerabilities have no significant interaction in depression development.

Question 3

Contrast the primary neurochemical mechanisms implicated in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Accepted Answer

MDD: Decreased serotonin; OCD: Increased dopamine

Answer

MDD: Increased norepinephrine; OCD: Decreased serotonin

Answer

MDD: Decreased dopamine; OCD: Increased serotonin

Question 4

Which of the following is a primary risk factor for developing schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Childhood trauma

Answer

Substance abuse

Answer

Long-term stress

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a key element of the neurotransmitter hypothesis of depression?

Accepted Answer

Excess of glutamate

Answer

Low levels of serotonin and norepinephrine

Answer

Altered GABA function

Answer

Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

Question 6

What is the primary distinction between delirium and dementia?

Accepted Answer

Delirium is acute and reversible, while dementia is chronic and progressive

Answer

Dementia is acute and reversible, while delirium is chronic and progressive

Answer

Delirium and dementia are both chronic and irreversible

Answer

Delirium and dementia are both acute and reversible

Question 7

What is the fundamental goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

To challenge distorted cognitions and develop coping mechanisms

Answer

To reduce anxiety symptoms

Answer

To eliminate anxiety-provoking thoughts

Answer

To improve mood

Question 8

According to the DSM-5, what is the primary diagnostic criterion for Bipolar I Disorder?

Accepted Answer

At least one manic or mixed episode

Answer

At least one hypomanic episode

Answer

At least one major depressive episode

Answer

A history of psychotic symptoms

Question 9

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with feelings of reward and pleasure?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

GABA

Question 10

How do adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) influence the likelihood and progression of mental health conditions?

Accepted Answer

ACEs increase the risk and worsen the prognosis of developing mental health conditions.

Answer

ACEs elevate the risk of developing mental health conditions but do not affect their prognosis.

Answer

ACEs do not affect the risk of developing mental health conditions but worsen their prognosis.

Answer

ACEs solely impact the development of psychotic disorders.

Question 11

Which cognitive distortions and emotional dysregulation are characteristic of mood disorders, and how do these factors contribute to their clinical presentation?

Accepted Answer

Negative thinking, irritability, and heightened emotional reactivity

Answer

Positive thinking, emotional blunting, and apathy

Answer

Neutral thinking, emotional stability, and difficulty with social interactions

Answer

Delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking

Question 12

Define resilience and explain how it can promote recovery from mental disorders and buffer against the impact of adversity.

Accepted Answer

Resilience is the ability to adapt, recover, and grow in the face of adversity, promoting psychological well-being.

Answer

Resilience is an innate personality trait that protects against the development of mental disorders, regardless of life experiences.

Answer

Resilience refers to the absence of negative emotions and experiences in the face of adversity.

Answer

Resilience only benefits individuals who have experienced severe trauma or major life events.

Question 13

Among the following, which is NOT considered a risk factor for developing schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Low intelligence

Answer

Family history of schizophrenia

Answer

Childhood trauma

Answer

Exposure to toxins during pregnancy

Question 14

Which neurotransmitter is most strongly linked to the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

GABA

Question 15

Which neurotransmitter system is primarily implicated in mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Monoamine (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine)

Answer

Glutamatergic

Answer

Dopaminergic

Answer

GABAergic

Question 16

Which genetic mutation is strongly associated with the development of Huntington's disease?

Accepted Answer

CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion in the HTT gene

Answer

ApoE4 allele

Answer

HFE mutation

Answer

BRCA1 mutation

Question 17

Which type of psychotherapy is based on the principles of learning theory and aims to change maladaptive behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Answer

Humanistic therapy

Answer

Existential therapy

Answer

Psychoanalysis

Question 18

Which medication class is primarily used to treat symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions and hallucinations?

Accepted Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Anticonvulsants

Answer

Antidepressants

Answer

Anxiolytics

Question 19

Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Recurrent, intrusive thoughts

Answer

Excessive worry

Answer

Social withdrawal

Answer

Phobic avoidance

Question 20

Which neurodevelopmental disorder is characterized by persistent difficulties in social communication and interaction?

Accepted Answer

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Answer

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Answer

Dyslexia

Answer

Intellectual Disability

Question 21

Which of the following is a protective factor against the development of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Strong social support

Answer

Substance abuse

Answer

Childhood trauma

Answer

Financial instability

Question 22

Which neurotransmitter system is strongly implicated in the pathophysiology of depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

Dopamine

Question 23

What is a key feature of the stress response system that contributes to the development of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced amygdala activity and diminished prefrontal cortex regulation

Answer

Reduced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity

Answer

Impaired HPA axis activity

Answer

Increased parasympathetic tone

Question 24

Which of the following is a common cognitive distortion commonly observed in individuals with schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Thought broadcasting

Answer

Negative self-talk

Answer

Catastrophizing

Answer

Selective attention

Question 25

Which of the following is not a characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Good insight into the irrationality of one's thoughts and behaviors

Answer

Avoidance

Answer

Repetitive thoughts or behaviors

Answer

Anxiety

Question 26

What is the primary focus of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Identifying and changing maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors

Answer

Medication administration

Answer

Psychodynamic exploration

Question 27

Which of the following neurobiological abnormalities has been implicated in the development of bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Dysregulation of the dopamine system, particularly in the mesolimbic and mesocortical pathways

Answer

Impaired GABAergic signaling

Answer

Reduced serotonin levels

Answer

Increased glutamate transmission

Question 28

What is the main purpose of a differential diagnosis for mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

To distinguish between different possible diagnoses that may have similar symptoms, ensuring accurate and appropriate treatment

Answer

To assess the severity of a condition

Answer

To confirm a single diagnosis

Question 29

What is one of the key principles of the biopsychosocial model of mental illness?

Accepted Answer

Mental disorders are influenced by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors, emphasizing a holistic approach to assessment and treatment.

Answer

Mental illness is solely caused by biological abnormalities

Answer

Mental illness is primarily a result of psychological stressors

Question 30

Which of the following factors is a well-established genetic risk factor for schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Family history of schizophrenia

Answer

Childhood adversity

Answer

Substance abuse during pregnancy

Answer

History of head trauma

Question 31

Which neurotransmitter system is primarily implicated in the pathophysiology of depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

GABA

Question 32

What is the primary mechanism of action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a commonly prescribed class of antidepressants?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of serotonin reuptake

Answer

Blockade of acetylcholine receptors

Answer

Enhancement of dopamine release

Answer

Reduction of glutamate activity

Question 33

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Presence of insight into the irrationality of thoughts and behaviors

Answer

Avoidance of feared objects or situations

Answer

Anxiety or distress associated with obsessions or compulsions

Answer

Repetitive thoughts and behaviors

Question 34

Which of the following symptoms is a hallmark of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Auditory hallucinations

Answer

Persistent sadness

Answer

Racing thoughts

Answer

Excessive guilt

Question 35

What is the most prevalent form of dementia worldwide?

Accepted Answer

Alzheimer's disease

Answer

Frontotemporal dementia

Answer

Lewy body dementia

Answer

Vascular dementia

Question 36

What is the term for the intense fear of open spaces?

Accepted Answer

Agoraphobia

Answer

Social phobia

Answer

Acrophobia

Answer

Claustrophobia

Question 37

Which of the following factors is hypothesized to contribute to the development of schizophrenia, according to the neurodevelopmental hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Abnormal neuronal pruning and migration

Answer

Hyperactivity of the serotonergic system

Answer

Increased dopamine activity in the mesolimbic pathway

Answer

Reduced levels of acetylcholine in the hippocampus

Question 38

Which neurotransmitter systems are primarily implicated in the pathophysiology of depression?

Accepted Answer

Monoamine neurotransmitters (serotonin and norepinephrine)

Answer

Epinephrine and oxytocin

Answer

Dopamine and glutamate

Answer

GABA and acetylcholine

Question 39

Which of the following is a key psychological factor that can contribute to the onset and maintenance of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive distortions and avoidance behaviors

Answer

Childhood trauma alone

Answer

Genetic predisposition alone

Answer

Neurochemical imbalance in the amygdala alone

Question 40

Which of the following social factors has been consistently linked to an increased risk of developing mental illness?

Accepted Answer

Low socioeconomic status

Answer

Strong social support network

Answer

Access to high-quality healthcare

Answer

High levels of physical activity

Question 41

Which of the following is considered a hallmark symptom of bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Alternating episodes of mania and depression

Answer

Grandiose delusions

Answer

Persistent delusions and hallucinations

Answer

Compulsive rituals and intrusive thoughts

Question 42

Which of the following imaging modalities is widely used to study brain structure and function in the context of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer

Polysomnography (PSG)

Answer

Electrocardiography (ECG)

Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Question 43

Which of the following genetic disorders is associated with an increased risk of developing autism spectrum disorder?

Accepted Answer

Fragile X syndrome

Answer

Down syndrome

Answer

Sickle cell anemia

Answer

Cystic fibrosis

Question 44

Which of the following principles is fundamental to evidence-based treatment for mental health conditions?

Accepted Answer

Tailoring interventions to the individual's needs and preferences

Answer

Relying primarily on self-help strategies

Answer

Prescribing the most expensive medication available

Question 45

Which class of medications is commonly used to manage symptoms of schizophrenia?

Accepted Answer

Atypical antipsychotics

Answer

Mood stabilizers

Answer

Anxiolytics

Answer

Antidepressants

Question 46

Which of the following is a potential challenge in the diagnosis of mental disorders?

Accepted Answer

Overlapping symptoms and comorbidity

Answer

Limited access to diagnostic tools alone

Answer

Lack of trained mental health professionals alone

Answer

Stigma and reluctance to seek help alone

Question 47

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia experiences auditory hallucinations. Which neurotransmitter is most strongly linked to this symptom?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

GABA

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

Glutamate

Question 48

A child develops post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after witnessing a traumatic event.  Which component of the biopsychosocial model is most directly implicated in this case?

Accepted Answer

Psychological

Answer

Social

Answer

Biological

Answer

Environmental

Question 49

Which of the following is NOT considered a risk factor for developing major depressive disorder?

Accepted Answer

Strong social support network

Answer

Chronic stress

Answer

Childhood trauma

Answer

Family history of depression

Question 50

A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) engages in repetitive handwashing. This behavior is best classified as a:

Accepted Answer

Compulsion

Answer

Obsession

Answer

Delusion

Answer

Hallucination

Question 51

A patient with panic disorder experiences sudden episodes of intense fear and physical symptoms. Which brain region is thought to play a significant role in this response?

Accepted Answer

Amygdala

Answer

Hippocampus

Answer

Prefrontal cortex

Answer

Hypothalamus

Question 52

Which of the following is considered a protective factor against the development of mental illness?

Accepted Answer

Resilience

Answer

Childhood adversity

Answer

Genetic predisposition

Answer

Social isolation

Question 53

A patient with bipolar disorder experiences periods of intense energy and euphoria followed by episodes of depression. These fluctuations are primarily attributed to:

Accepted Answer

Changes in neurotransmitter levels

Answer

Environmental stressors

Answer

Personality traits

Answer

Cognitive distortions

Question 54

A key principle of the diathesis-stress model is that:

Accepted Answer

Individuals with a genetic predisposition may only develop a mental disorder if exposed to significant stress.

Answer

Mental illness is solely determined by environmental factors.

Question 55

A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) experiences constant worry, even when there is no apparent reason for concern. This symptom is primarily linked to:

Accepted Answer

Cognitive distortions

Answer

Neurotransmitter imbalances

Answer

Early childhood trauma

Answer

Social isolation